Climate-smart practices in freshwater aquaculture: Expert insights and empirical analysis

The vulnerability of inland aquaculture to climate-related changes and shocks is increasing steadily which necessitates the development, popularisation and adoption of climate-smart aquaculture strategies in the inland sector. Climate-Smart Aquaculture (CSAq) is built on three pillars, i.e., sustainably increasing productivity and income, improving resilience and mitigating climate change. Successful application and adoption of CSAq strategies needs integration of expert knowledge and opinion based on evidence and acceptance. The present study throws light on the opinions of experts gathered through an online survey on selected freshwater aquaculture, harvest and post-harvest practices particularly suited for coastal flood-prone areas and their relation to the three pillars of CSAq, supported by research evidence. As per the expert opinion analysed using correspondence and cluster analysis, ten among the fourteen selected practices support increase in productivity, income and resilience/adaptation to climate change. The parameter estimates and significance using binary logistic regression showed that practices like modified extensive farming of Indian major carps (IMCs), use of farm-made aquafeed prepared with locally available ingredients, feeding management, use of passive harvesting gear like gillnets and use of solar dryers for drying of fish and vegetables can contribute to mitigation of climate change through reduction or elimination of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (p<0.05). The results showed that the productivity and adaptation pillar performed best with the selected CSAq practices. The findings of this study provide an important basis for recommendations to farmers and policymakers for the implementation and advancement of CSAq practices. Keywords: Climate smart aquaculture, Emission, Expert opinion, Flood prone areas, Productivity, Resilience